The Florida State Seminoles welcome in the Clemson Tigers in college football action on Saturday. The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ABC. Currently the odds for the game have Florida State listed as a medium-sized favorite to get the job done.
The top-ranked Florida State Seminoles welcome in the No. 22 Clemson Tigers in college football action on Saturday. The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ABC. Currently the odds for the game have Florida State listed as a heavy favorite to get the job done.
Jameis Winston was booted by head coach Jimbo Fisher for the opening half of this game originally. Then, Friday night, Winston was ruled OUT for the entire game.
UPDATE: Winston will sit out ENTIRE game vs Clemson
Winston hasn't been able to figure out just how important he is to the football team based on his recent off the field problems. Granted, he's just a sophomore in college, but not being able to understand the magnitude of himself on and off the field is troubling for the Seminoles. Because of his actions, Florida State will be without their best player the entire game.
But the oddsmakers are still probably going to be laying the number with Florida State. The Seminoles will start Sean Maguire in this one, a very young and raw talent that has only thrown 26 passes in his college career. The speed and athleticism of the Clemson defense is going to cause him problems. They are led up front by Vic Beaslet, one of the best pass rushers in the country.
Yet, behind a solid offensive line with weapons all over the field, Maguire is going to have a chance to lead the Noles to a good start.
The winner of this game has won the ACC title each of the past three seasons. Florida State has averaged 37 points per game so far this year, but that number could come down in facing the Tigers.
Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are coming off a bye week and have had some time to get back to themselves after getting run over by Georgia to start the season. They then beat up on South Carolina State the next week, posting 73 points.
They're catching points here, which should come as no surprise, and the Tigers are catching some points — but they have excelled in that role. Clemson is 7-1 ATS under Swinney as an underdog when they are getting at least five points in a game. Also worth noting is that the Tigers have only lost six times during the last six-plus seasons by 20 points or more. One of those losses was last season, when the Tigers were drilled at home by the Seminoles, 51-14.
The Noles haven't lost since Winston made his debut last season as a freshman. They've won 18 games dating back to the 2012 season and that streak is in jeopardy here, especially with Winston missing the first half. Florida State ranks just 116th in the country in third down conversion this season WITH Winston in the game, so if Clemson can force the Seminoles into third down and long, it should work in their favor.
Overall, once Winston came back into the game, Florida State was probably going to win. Now? It's questionable what Florida State will be able to do. They're still the better team here and they'll find a way to get it done.
Free Pick: Florida State 31, Clemson 28
College Football Free Picks: Clemson vs Florida State Betting
What college football bettors need to know about betting Clemson Tigers vs Florida State Seminoles on Saturday (9/20/14) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Dave Cokin with added insight from Ken Thomson.
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